22 Nonprofits Representing Patients Applaud ‘Family Glitch’ Fix as a Monumental Move to Expand Coverage

For nearly a decade, families have been unfairly blocked from accessing affordable health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace due to the longstanding “family glitch.” On behalf of these patients and families, we are elated to say that the injustice ends today.

Last year, an estimated 5.1 million people—predominantly low-income women and children—were locked out of affordable and high-quality coverage because of the so called “family glitch”. Many were forced to either forgo health coverage or spend an unaffordable amount – nearly 16% of their family’s income – on premiums.

Now, after years of our advocacy to fix this problem and as a result of the Biden Administration’s actions, if employer-sponsored coverage is unaffordable, family members can purchase high-quality, affordable coverage through the Healthcare.gov Marketplace instead.

Any lawsuits attempting to block this rule threaten the health of millions of families, including children, and would erect unnecessary barriers for those who need lifesaving care. Moreover, legal scholars and lawmakers agree that fixing the family glitch is consistent with the intentions of Congress when it passed the ACA more than a decade ago.

In addition to ours and other organizations representing children, families and patients, the rule has received widespread support from a diverse set of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, insurers, employers, and state officials.

As healthcare costs rise, along with the cost of employer-sponsored health insurance, it is essential that families have access to quality and affordable coverage. Studies repeatedly link high-quality health coverage to patients’ overall health and a reduction in health disparities. Fixing the family glitch will improve the health of families.

Our organizations are deeply committed to ensuring the family glitch is fixed. Patients’ lives depend on it.

• ALS Association
• American Heart Association
• American Kidney Fund
• American Lung Association
• Arthritis Foundation
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Family Voices
• Hemophilia Federation of America
• Immune Deficiency Foundation
• Lupus Foundation of America
• Muscular Dystrophy Association
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• National Eczema Association
• National Health Council
• National Hemophilia Foundation
• National Kidney Foundation
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• National Organization for Rare Disorders
• National Patient Advocate Foundation
• Susan G. Komen
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society